Eurocopter to supply six EC725 helicopters to Indonesia

PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace has signed a contract with Eurocopter for the supply of six EC725 helicopters to the Indonesian Air Force.

The contract follows the selection of the helicopter by the Air Force in 2011 to help fulfil its requirements for a Combat Search and Rescue (SAR) capable helicopter fleet.

Indonesian Aerospace president director Budi Santoso stated: "This contract for the EC725 will propel Indonesian Aerospace into a new era of co-operation with Eurocopter, enhancing the company's capabilities at the forefront of rotorcraft technology."

The military version of the 11-ton class EC725 combat-proven helicopter offers superior flight autonomy and features high-performance navigation and mission systems, a unique digital four-axis autopilot including a large cabin with accommodation for 25 persons enabling its use for tactical transport missions.

Belonging to Eurocopter's Super Puma/Cougar family, the twin-engine multi-role EC725/EC225 rotary-wing aircraft can also be used to perform civil and military search and rescue, humanitarian support logistic ground support, medical evacuation and shipborne operations.

Indonesian Aerospace has also held a separate contract with Eurocopter for the manufacture of EC225 and EC725 tail booms and complete airframe assemblies since 2008.

As per the terms of a contract signed with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence last month, the helicopters supplied by Eurocopter will be reassembled, customised and configured to combat search and rescue helicopter version by Indonesian Aerospace.

Customisation and reassembling of the helicopter will take place at Indonesian Aerospace's facility in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia while delivery to the Indonesian Air Force will begin in 2014.

The helicopter is also used by the French Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Mexican Air Force and Brazilian Air Force.

Image: EC 725 helicopters are deployed to aid evacuation of personnel, as well as in Afghanistan. Photo: Wil94.